14.3 What is plug-in (balcony) solar? California's 2027 law

California passed a "plug-in" (balcony) solar law, effective 2027. Once it's in force, if you can buy equipment that meets the rules — AC output no more than 1,200 W, with whole-unit UL certification — you can plug it straight into a household outlet. No utility interconnection application, no waiting for approval, no fee; at most the utility asks you to register online.

For renters, apartment dwellers, and anyone whose roof can't take rooftop solar, this is the first time they can legally use solar. But a reality check: as of now no product has passed the whole-system certification California requires, so when the law takes effect you may not be able to buy a usable kit yet (see 14.4).